Vista doesn't update - error 800700C1 and others

Please, help. I have 11 pending updtes, all initially goes smoothly, but at
the very last step of update I am getting something like "Not configured
properly, reverting the changes". The log shows error 800700C1 and 800F0826.
The later is supposed to be "derived" error, and the former is the root of my
nightmare. Now, I did my due diligence:
- whatever is suggested in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919749
- cleaning up Temp files
- sfc/scannow (Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity
violations.)
- replacing smipi.dll (Nov 07) with a new version (March 08)
- checking c:\windows\logs\sbc\sbc.log - it has no apparent 'fasilure' or
'error' messages

NOTHING HELPED!

I don't know what else I can do. It's a brand new HP machine with Vista
Premium home (torture) edition. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

An update that you have downloaded appears to be corrupt and that is why it's

An update that you have downloaded appears to be corrupt and that is why it's not
installing. Suggest you manually download the update and install. You may in the
alternative, clear out any corruption in the softwaredistribution folder and try again.

FYI

Windows Update error 800f0826
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/2d96561c-0a7a-492a-b48f-8317cf4f1fde1033.mspx

0x800700C1
-2147024703
ERROR_BAD_EXE_FORMAT
is not a valid Win32 application

You can download individual updates from the Catalog and save to be installed later.
http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Home.aspx
How to download updates and drivers from the Windows Update Catalog or from the Microsoft
Update Catalog
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/323166

Search for a download
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en

How to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder in Vista -
1. Stop the Windows Update service (make sure you are logged on as an Administrator)

Start button || Control Panel ||System and Maintenance ||Administrative Tools
Double-click Services
(Provide the Administrator password or confirmation if prompted to do so.)
Right-click the Windows Update service and click Stop.

2. Click Start, type %windir% in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

Locate and rename the SoftwareDistribution folder.

3. Start the Windows Update service

Start button || Control Panel ||System and Maintenance ||Administrative Tools
Double-click Services
(Provide the Administrator password or confirmation if prompted to do so.)
Right-click the Windows Update service and click Start.

This procedure will erase your history on the Windows Update Site. Not important.

You can always check which updates are installed on your computer by -
Start button || Control Panel || Programs
Under Programs and Features - click View installed updates.


--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco